Panasonic GF8 vs Pentax K-3 II

Following is a thorough overview of the Panasonic GF8 versus Pentax K-3 II, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Advanced DSLR by brands Panasonic and Pentax. There is a crucial difference between the sensor resolutions of the GF8 (16MP) and K-3 II (24MP) and the GF8 (Four Thirds) and K-3 II (APS-C) enjoy totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The GF8 was launched 10 months after the K-3 II and they are of a similar generation. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic GF8 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K-3 II being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go through a thorough comparison, below is a quick synopsis of how the GF8 grades versus the K-3 II in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF8 and Pentax K-3 II. The complete galleries are available at Panasonic GF8 Gallery and Pentax K-3 II Gallery.

When you are looking to carry around your camera, you should factor in its weight and proportions. The Panasonic GF8 features physical dimensions of 107mm x 65mm x 33mm (4.2" x 2.6" x 1.3") along with a weight of 266 grams (0.59 lbs) while the Pentax K-3 II has measurements of 131mm x 100mm x 77mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.0") and a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs).

See the Panasonic GF8 versus Pentax K-3 II in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you choose at the time. Below is the front view measurements comparison of the GF8 compared to the K-3 II.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the GF8 and K-3 II is 90 and 59 respectively.

Generally, its difficult to envision the gap between sensor sizes merely by checking technical specs. The picture below might give you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the GF8 and K-3 II.

As you have seen, each of the cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The GF8 because of its tinier sensor will make shooting bokeh tougher and the Pentax K-3 II will give more detail utilizing its extra 8 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop images much more aggressively. The newer GF8 is going to have a benefit with regard to sensor technology.